Urban Meyer Leaves Florida: Did the Pressure Finally Get To Him?

Urban Meyer’s second retirement may come as a surprise to most people, but it shouldn’t. As successful as he has been over the years, the last couple have been tough.

Meyer has had to deal with losing probably the two best players in college football, specifically Tim Tebow and Cam Newton. Who knew at the time how good Newton really was until he ended up at Auburn? Where would the Gators be right now had Cam stayed in Gainesville?

Not waiting to play Joe Pa in the Outback Bowl, that’s for sure.

Many also thought that John Brantley would continue the Gators' winning ways, but turned out to be false. With the season a flop, Florida faithful had to put even more pressure on Meyer for no longer being a big dog in the SEC.

Last year, it was Nick Saban; this year, it is Gene Chizik.  I think the pressure to be on top and stay on top has finally gotten to the Florida head coach. I don’t think he is used to losing or playing second fiddle to ANYONE.

He has had people tell him over the past couple of years he might be the new Bear Bryant of college football.

How much pressure is that?

To go from 13-1 and a contender for a national championship to 7-5 and playing in your own backyard during bowl season must not be easy.

Some people thrive under pressure and consider it a challenge to fight their way back to the top. Urban Meyer, unfortunately, is not one of them.